'It's been a long time since I heard a strong political criticism from a cultural leader'; let those who have ears listen, says Geevarghese Mar Coorilos

KOTTAYAM: Geevarghese Mar Coorilose, who was the Metropolitan of the Niranam Diocese of the Jacobite Syrian Church, said that it was after a long time that he heard a political criticism with teeth from a prominent cultural figure in the state. Geevarghese Mar Coorilose was responding to the political criticism made by veteran writer MT Vasudevan Nair during the inauguration of the Kerala Literature Festival in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

'It's been a long time since I heard a political criticism with teeth from a cultural leader. Thanks to MT...a voice that all those in power should hear...a sharp voice...let those who have ears listen...power is not meant to oppress...power should only be for the service of the people,' Geevarghese Mar Coorilose wrote on his Facebook page.

The speech delivered by MT Vasudevan Nair during the inauguration of the Kerala Literature Festival had sparked a controversy after many people interpreted it as a criticism directed at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the state government.

MT criticised that power can mean hegemony or totalitarianism and that political activity has become an accepted means of attaining power.

"A leader like EMS is the need of the hour. EMS was a great leader as he was able to correct and admit his mistakes. We have buried the theory that power means a good opportunity for public service. Freedom is not a generosity thrown by rulers. There is no great leader here who has the habit of admitting his own mistakes," MT said in his speech.

Meanwhile, MT Vasudevan later came out stating that his speech was not directed at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan or the state government. 'I was not criticizing. It would be good if it makes way for someone to self-criticise,' he responded on social media.